Lions Tour 2025

[Dan54]

As @Braveheart81 says, not sure how much the areas of France would pay out at getting bump in tourist numbers.
Actually by same token, NZ government and cities are fairly well know for not paying big money to attract the events like this, and still get them.
So how much difference that all makes is beyond me.

 

[Braveheart81]

Also, that entire article is about French rugby wanting to get involved in the most lucrative tour in rugby.

I would take it with a grain of salt. It would be more newsworthy if French rugby didn't want to become involved in the tour.

 

[Crashy]

Lions players and British rugby in general will make the most $ from this tour in lions history.
Pray tell which full professional Argentinian club teams would they play? I’ll give you a hint. There aren’t any….

You honestly think Japanese clubs would get within 10 points of the Lions like our Waratahs and brumbies b teams?

to lose the golden goose that is a tour to Australia is laughable.

 

[Wilson]

The Lions have apparently block Pete Samu from playing in the First Nations/Pasifika team:

Lions block Wallaby from playing in First Nations & Pasifika XV

Three weeks after requesting that Wallabies were released to Super Rugby teams to ensure a competitive buildup, the Lions have blocked Pete Samu from representing the First Nations and Pasifika XV next week.

www.smh.com.au

 

[cyclopath]

What area is suitable for a 66 and a quarter year old action man?

A whine bar.

 

[Dctarget]

The Lions have apparently block Pete Samu from playing in the First Nations/Pasifika team:

Lions block Wallaby from playing in First Nations & Pasifika XV

Three weeks after requesting that Wallabies were released to Super Rugby teams to ensure a competitive buildup, the Lions have blocked Pete Samu from representing the First Nations and Pasifika XV next week.

www.smh.com.au

By god these guys are assholes. What benefit could they possibly gain from that?

 

[parkfootyenthusiast2]

Few thoughts:

1. The Lions blocking Pete Samu from the FN/P squad is an absolute joke. Maybe they fear he'll end up in the Wallabies side later in the test series and don't want him getting another touch up game in but come on... you've minced every side so far save a wet night in Sydney, how soft, and also to take that once in a lifetime opportunity away from a bloke who definitely deserves it - lame.

2. Not scared of France. The Lions tour to Australia is steeped in history, the players and their supporting fans love it and I think them coming over year this tour and belting every team in sight will only ADD to their enthusiasm if anything. Since when have the Brits enjoyed being successful? Not scared.

 

[Adam84]

so fucken petty

 

[Dctarget]

Absolutely bizarre and not a good look for them. They've already allowed Matt Philip to play for the Waratahs v Lions and he's the same story as Pete.

Then they pluck Farrell from France this week too. Irony isn't lost on me either that they have some Aussie Pasifika boys playing for them under some very dubious eligibility rules.

 

[MarkJ]

Hopefully the First Nations/Pasifika team will play with their jerseys tucked in as a tribute to Samu

 

[parkfootyenthusiast2]

Give me Samu in the second or third test with a serious axe to grind...

 

[parkfootyenthusiast2]

Absolutely bizarre and not a good look for them. They've already allowed Matt Philip to play for the Waratahs v Lions and he's the same story as Pete.

Then they pluck Farrell from France this week too. Irony isn't lost on me either that they have some Aussie Pasifika boys playing for them under some very dubious eligibility rules.

Great points all round, flogs

 

[Dirkgee96]

That’s so incredibly petty. I thought they wanted tough games? Samu is a wallaby and would provide some experience to the team

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

We getting to hands on heads territory?

 

[Wilson]

It sounds like Pete Samu wasn't the only player blocked by the Lions:

Under the terms of the new agreement, the First Nations side were allowed to select players from the four remaining Australian Super franchises and in certain situations from the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika with the Lions’ sign off.

Telegraph Sport understands that the Lions had already rejected multiple requests for some high-profile players to be added to Kefu’s squad. However, Rugby Australia were confident that there would be no objections to the presence of Samu, who has signed for the NSW Waratahs after winning the Champions Cup with Bordeaux Bègles last season and already faced the Lions with the Australia and New Zealand Invitational XV earlier in the tour.

Cowardly Lions? Tourists accused of running scared after blocking Wallaby from midweek game

Despite complaining about soft level of opposition in non-Test matches so far, touring side have refused to let Pete Samu play next week

www.telegraph.co.uk

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Not that I wasn't already Team Straya but after them pulling this shit Fuck the Brits & Oirish.

 

[Dan54]

Absolutely bizarre and not a good look for them. They've already allowed Matt Philip to play for the Waratahs v Lions and he's the same story as Pete.

Then they pluck Farrell from France this week too. Irony isn't lost on me either that they have some Aussie Pasifika boys playing for them under some very dubious eligibility rules.

I actually wondered about Farrell to. Still got me stuffed what they are about even doing this with Samu, it's almost a 'nothing' game to be trying to ruin your reputation on with this stuff. I wonder if we will hear something after tour over thinking? There is certainly nothing to make it in anyway sensible demand.
Though to be honest, there is also no dubious eligiblity rules with Aussie Pasifika (or kiwi boys), but I actually think the Farrell one is only dubious one. The rules for picking the Lions are all players have to be eligible to play for the countries within Lions catchment (which all the Kiwi,Aus origin boys are), but I thought Farrell was ineligible for England as he was signed for French club, and he hasn't played for Sarries etc as yet. Maybe he is though, just think he is only dicky player they got.
Are they actually stirring things to help justify taking France into the Lions schedule?